Sunshine to continue in Spring Valley

During the regular meeting of the Spring Valley City Council on October 22, the council discussed what path to take going forward, for the city’s residential solid waste and recycling services.Mayor Struzyk pointed out that, “As far as I’m concerned, I haven’t heard a complaint since right after they (Sunshine) took over.I had a lot of them with Waste Management, but I haven’t had any with Sunshine.So I think we should renew the contract.”Deb Zimmer summarized that the council’s options are to re-up, or renegotiate a contract, or put it out for proposals from any interested companies.Regarding the pricing of services from Sunshine, Zimmer added, “He did say that his prices for 2019 will be the same as 2018.”The council voted unanimously to stay with Sunshine.Zimmer will bring a contract back for the council to consider signing at the next council meeting.Council members present included Tony Archer, Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk, Jessy Betts, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer.Mike Hadland was absent.Mayor Struzyk acknowledged attendance by a group of five Grand Meadow high school students, as part of their American Government class.

During departmental reports, John Fenske expressed gratitude to Dan Howard for all of his help with Park and Rec flag football.He also stated that the swimming pool repairs are being finished, hopefully by the end of the week.

Via Resolution 2018-30, the council formally and gratefully accepted a donation of $30,000 in memory of Doris Henderson.The ambulance fund, fire department fund, and community center fund will receive $10,000 each.

Sue Puffer gave the council an update on the ambulance service, including that the new ambulance will be received this week.Also, regarding the crew’s call volume, she said they are 86 calls ahead of last year at this time, and many of those are for situations in which the ambulance crew is needed only to lift someone from the floor.Many of these are at facilities in which the staff have been instructed not to do lifts.She explained that in these situations, no fee is charged.She added, “I don’t know if there’s anything we can do about that.”

Deputy Tim Rasmussen stated a reminder that the city’s winter parking ordinance will go into effect on November 1.Troy Lange reported that the fire department’s pancake breakfast was well attended, and a success.

Council member Jessy Betts addressed the council, saying, “This is a unique meeting for me.As some of you know, my family was given the opportunity to buy a new property, which unfortunately moves me out of town, making me no longer eligible to serve on the council.So this will be my last meeting.”He went on to thank the council for helping him learn his role and duties on the council.Mayor Struzyk responded, “For somebody that first came on new, you’ve done one heck of a job.You’ve brought a lot to the council… You’re going to be missed.”

The meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.Due to observance of Veterans Day, the next regular meeting of the council will be Wednesday, November 14 at 6 p.m.As always, the public is welcome.